Tool belt carrier, and pouch constructions

ABSTRACT

A low slung tool belt carrier includes pouches designed to be suspended from a belt strap construction with a shoulder strap crossing over the torso or shoulders to support the larger of two pouches, the pouches arranged to fit on the hips or be rested upon the hips of an individual. Alternate constructions incorporate handles for carrying the pouches and fasteners for combining pouches. Various alternative combinations of tool belts, waist straps, handles, carry straps, pouches and pockets enable customization of a tool belt for individual workmen.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/813,524 filed Mar. 30,2004, for “Tool Belt Carrier, and Pouch Constructions”, which is acontinuation in part of Ser. No, 10/339,902 filed Jan. 10, 2003 for “LowSlung Tool Carrier”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,251 issued Mar. 30, 2004,which is a division of Ser. No. 09/921,125 filed Aug. 2, 2001 for “LowSlung Tool Carrier” which is a continuation in part of Ser. No.09/359,339 filed Jul. 21, 1999 for “Tool Belt” (now issued as U.S. Pat.No. 6,390,348), and provisional application Ser. No. 60/222,713 filedAug. 3, 2000 for “Low Slung Tool Carrier” (abandoned) all of which areincorporated herewith by reference and for which priority is claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a tool belt and,more particularly, to a tool belt of the type which includes a number ofstorage pockets and adjustable belt support members.

Construction workers, tradesman and the like typically use a tool beltattached about their waist to transport and maintain tools at a worksite. Such belts are often fabricated from canvas and/or leather and mayinclude a number of attached pockets or pouches which are designed tohold tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and the like. Desirablecharacteristics for such belts are durability and the capability to holdand store many tools and other items. The belts must also be comfortableand yet durable in order to withstand rugged circumstances.Additionally, such a belt must be designed to accommodate various typesof tools and if possible permit alteration and adjustment in order toaccommodate various types of tools, various sizes of tools and varioussizes of workmen. Thus, there has remained a need for an improved toolbelt which is comfortable to wear, rugged, economical and easily adaptedfor multiple uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, in one embodiment, the invention comprises a tool carrier whichincludes an adjustable strap or belt having first and second toolpockets or pouches affixed thereto and spaced one from the other by adistance which enables the pouches to rest comfortably on the oppositehips of a user of the tool belt. A shoulder strap, which is designed tocross over the torso of an individual, has opposite ends connectedadjacent the opposite sides of one of the pockets, preferably the largerof the storage pockets. The belt may thus rest upon the hips of anindividual with a larger pocket resting on one hip and with a shoulderstrap supporting the larger pocket by crossing the torso and extendingover one shoulder on one side of the individual to the pocket on theopposite side of the individual. Alternative constructions include firstand second shoulder straps connected to opposite sides of the front ofthe belt attached to a single strap that extends down the back of anindividual and is then connected to the belt or tool carrier waiststrap.

Additional embodiments of the invention combine a belt with pouchesattached to loops along the top margin of the pouches for attachment ofthe pouches to the belt. The pouches may also include buckles along thetop margin which are adapted to receive shoulder straps. Handles mayalso be attached to the belt so that when the belt is folded, the beltand attached pouches may be carried by the handles which overlap withone another.

Alternatively, the belt may be used in combination with a waist strapwherein the handles are attached to the waist strap. The belt thus isattached to or extended through belt loops on the waist strap. Inanother embodiment the belt is attached to the pouches by stitching andhandles are also attached to the belt strap or the pouches by stitching.The pouches may be formed with a reinforcing wire around the top edge ortop margin of the pouches with the wire projecting, at its midpoint,above the ends so that when tools or items are placed in the pouches andthe pouches are weighted down and deformed or sagging, the contents ofthe pouch will not spill. The pouches, which are removable from thebelt, may include hook and loop materials on their back side so that thepouches may be aligned and connected together back to back with theloops or buckles aligned along the top margin of the pouches forattachment to a carry strap. Various designs are depicted for attachmentof the pouches to a belt. Various types of carry straps are depicted forcarrying pouches which are joined back to back. The pouches also mayinclude special pockets wherein the sides of the pouches are formed in amanner that will not interfere with the extended shaft of a tool such asa pick or screwdriver.

Thus it is an object of the invention to provide an improved toolcarrier.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a tool carrier whichincorporates a tool belt in combination with the various types ofshoulder straps and tool pockets or pouches.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool carrier which maybe “low slung” or in other words, supported on the hips of anindividual.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool carrier made from aflexible yet rugged material such as leather, canvas or other flexiblefabric materials.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tool carrier which iscapable of having tool pockets positioned on the left and right handside of an individual, preferably over the hips, with a supplementalshoulder strap(s) either crossing the torso or fitting over theshoulders of an individual and a single strap extending down the back ofan individual connected to the tool belt.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tool carrier whichpermits adjustment of the position of tool pockets suspended from a toolbelt

Another object of the invention is to provide alternative designs fortool belts including designs wherein the tool belt and tool belt pocketsmay be converted into or utilized as discrete pouches for tools orcombinations of pouches with handles and/or straps to facilitatetransport of the pouches.

A further object of the invention is to provide tool pouch constructionswhich prevent or seek to prevent collapse of tool storage pouch pocketsdue to the weight and/or configuration of tools placed in such pockets.

Another object of the invention is to provide for tool pouches which maybe attached together or which may be attached to a tool belt.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention areset forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description which follows reference will be made to thedrawing comprised of the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the tool carrier of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the tool carrier of the invention as itis worn by a person;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tool carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative construction of the belt andpockets similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of a tool carrier incorporating dualshoulder straps;

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a tool carrier incorporating dualshoulder straps and a single back strap;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the strap and belt construction of the carrierof FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the tool carrier of FIG. 5 as worn by anindividual;

FIG. 9 is another isometric view of the tool carrier of FIG. 5illustrating the manner of wearing the tool carrier.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a toolcarrier including a belt with various pouches attached thereto andshoulder straps;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an alternative belt and pouchcombination along with a waist strap;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged isometric view of the detail of a pouch, beltand waist strap combination depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a combinationbelt with pouches and further including handles attached to the beltwhich may be folded over one another for carrying of the pouches;

FIG. 12A is an enlarged isometric view of the attachment of the handleto a belt and/or pouch;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a combination belt and pouchconstruction generally of the type depicted in FIG. 11 wherein there isillustrated the construction of a pouch pocket designed to preventarticles within the pocket from falling out of the pocket and furtherdepicting the manner in which the handles attached to the belt and/or awaist strap can be folded over one another in order to transport thebelt and tools as a tool carrier;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view depicting a pair of pouches of the typewhich may be attached to a tool carrier belt wherein the pouches areconfigured with a back side that includes a hook and loop constructionfor joining of two pouches together as a tool carrier;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a singe pouch of the type depicted inFIG. 14 wherein the hook and loop elements are covered by a cover flap;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the loop construction associated with apouch which utilizes a hook and loop construction;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the construction of FIG. 16 wherein theflap of the loop is folded;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view depicting the final step in the formationof a pouch of the type depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view illustrating the combination of a pair ofpouches of the type shown in FIG. 14 with a strap and handle which isattached to the joined pouches for carrying those pouches in the form ofa tool carrier;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a single pouch of the type depicted inFIG. 14 in combination with a carrier strap and handle of the type alsoused and depicted in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the combination of pockets particularlydesigned for carrying the tools such as a hammer and elongated shafttools, such as screwdrivers;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged isometric view of the elongated shaft toolpockets associated with a pouch of the type depicted in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the reverse side of the lumbar padassociated with the belt construction of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view illustrating the indicia utilized tomeasure or guide the size of the belt construction of the embodiment ofFIG. 23; and

FIG. 26 illustrates various embodiments of the belt construction of thegeneral type illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the back side of an alternateconstruction of a tool pouch or pocket;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the backside of another alternateconstruction of a tool pouch or pocket;

FIG. 29 is a partial plan or elevation view of the back side of a toolpouch or pocket depicting alternative features;

FIG. 30 is a partial plan or elevation view of the back side of a toolpouch or pocket depicting alternative features;

FIG. 31 is a schematic side or profile view of a pocket or pouchconstruction in accord with the invention of FIGS. 27-30 wherein theconstruction is partially assembled; and

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of a pocket or pouch of the type depictedin FIGS. 27-30 in combination with a belt.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRD EMBODIMENTS

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4 the tool carrier comprises a beltor waist strap 10 having a first end 12 and a second end 14. The ends 12and 14 include fasteners, such as buckles 13, 15 which permit the ends12, 14 to be attached one to the other. The fasteners 13, 15 are suchthat the length or the waist dimension of strap 10 may be altereddepending upon the particular person or worker who is wearing the toolcarrier and the position of the belt about the torso. The strap 10further includes an upper margin 16 and a lower margin 18. A first setof pockets or pouch 20 comprises an extension of the lower margin 18 andincludes multiple pockets such as pockets 22 and 24 for receiving andstoring tools on other items. A support strap 26 is attached to strap 10adjacent one side of pouch 20 to hold pouch 20 in a condition whichprovides support and enables retention of tools therein. The first pouch20 is adjacent to the second end 14 of the strap 10. A second pouch 30also extends downwardly from the lower margin 18 and includes pockets,for example, pocket 32 for additional tools. First pouch 20 and secondpouch 30 are separated by length 19 of strap 10 so that pouches 20, 30fit respectively over a hip of a worker.

A shoulder strap 36 includes a first end 38 which is attached by meansof a buckle 40 to a ring 42 attached to strap 10 adjacent the inner end25 of the pouch 20 thereby permitting rotational adjustment of the strap36. The shoulder strap 36 further includes an adjustable, medialshoulder pad 44. A second end 46 of the strap 36 is attached adjacentthe second end 14 of the waist strap 10 and adjacent pouch 20 oppositeinner end 25. The strap 36 is adjustable in length in the preferredembodiment and includes an overlapping section 48 of the strap 36 thatmay be adjusted with respect to the buckle 40.

All the straps and pouches are made from a flexible fabric material.When being utilized, the tool carrier strap 10 is positioned around thewaist of the individual in a manner which enables strap 10 to rest uponthe hips of such the individual, as shown in FIG. 2, with pouches 20, 30aligned with each hip. The strap 36 is then adjusted and placed acrossthe shoulder of the individual. Note that the first end 38 of the strap36 is between the first pouch 20 and the second pouch 30, though incloser proximity to the first pouch 20. The ends of the strap 36 arepositioned approximately an equal distance from the opposite sides ofthe first pouch 20 to facilitate support of the larger first pouch 20 byarranging the strap 36 to extend diagonally across the torso of theindividual carrying the tool carrier.

FIG. 3 depicts the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the buckle 13, 15for connecting the strap 10 detached and further depicting the shoulderstrap 36 arranged with its connections to the strap 10 on opposite sidesof the oversized or larger pouch 20. The pouch 20 is a larger pouchrelative to the pouch 30 in as much as the pouch 20 rests upon the hipof an individual and is supported by the shoulder strap 36 which fitsover on the shoulder of an individual and crosses the torso as depictedin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the construction of FIG.3. The strap 10 does not include an integral pouch 30 but includes areplaceable pouch 30A in FIG. 4 which may slide or fit over the strap10. Specifically a sleeve 31 is provided for the pouch 30A so that thesleeve 31 may fit over the end section 11 of the strap 10. Further, thestrap 10 includes a straight width lower margin 19 and a straight uppermargin 21 for section 11 with a first wide section 23 and a lesser widthsection 25 connected with a second wide section 27 for placement overthe backside of an individual. The construction for the tool belt ofFIG. 4 may thus be arranged so that the larger pouch 20 will fit on theright hand hip of an individual and the smaller pouch 30A will fit onthe left hand hip with the strap 10 arranged around the back side of theindividual so that the wider sections 23 and 27 will fit on oppositesides of the spine of an individual with the narrower strap section 25aligned over the spine of an individual. This arrangement promotes thecomfort of the belt when worn by an individual.

FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate two further embodiments of the inventionwherein additional shoulder straps are provided for additional supportof heavier tools on both hips and for a circumstance wherein large toolpouches are provided that fit over both hips or opposite sides of anindividual wherein the pockets are generally equal size and will bear orhold equal weights of tools or other items. Referring therefore to FIG.5, a first removable pouch 60 is attached by buckles 62 and 64 to astrap 66. The strap 66 will encircle the waist of an individual andincludes a connecting belt 68. In the embodiment shown the strap 66 thusincludes a series of loops, for example, loops 70 and 72 which receive abelt 68 that encircles the outside face 74 of the strap 66 and connectstogether by virtue of the belt buckle 69 around the waist or midsectionof an individual.

The pouch 60 is attached to metal loops, such as loop 76 and 78,attached to the main strap 66. A second pouch 80 is similarly attachedby means of buckles 82 and 84 to metal loops 86 and 88 attached to thestrap 66. Note that with this construction the size and configuration ofpouches 60 and 80 may be altered or changed as desired. Additionally, inas much as the belt 68 is provided additional items such as tool holder90 supported by a loop 92 may be held on the strap 66 by the belt 68.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 includes a double shoulder strap comprising aleft hand shoulder strap 94 and a right hand shoulder strap 96 whichextend respectively from a yoke 98. Strap 94 is adjustably connected toa buckle 100 that is affixed to a metal loop 102 attached to the strap66. In a similar fashion the right hand strap 96 is attached to anextension 104 that is attached by a buckle 106 to a metal loop 108attached to the strap 66.

The yoke 98 connects with a single downwardly extending strap 110 thatconnects with divergent support straps 112 and 114. The straps 112 and114 are affixed by a buckle 116 and 118 respectively to loops 120 and122 attached to the strap 66. The right hand shoulder strap 94 thus fitsover the right shoulder of an individual. The left hand strap 96 fitsover the left shoulder of an individual and the back strap 110 fits downthe back along the spine of an individual. All the straps and bucklesare adjustable to provide the most appropriate balance and distributionof weight.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 5. In FIG.6, the construction is substantially identical to that of FIG. 5 exceptthat the right shoulder strap 94 and the left shoulder strap 96 areconnected to a yoke 98 that extends and connects with a single backstrap 110 that is adjustable and connected by means of a single buckle140 to a single metal loop 142 attached to the midpoint of strap 66. Thestrap 110 thus extends downwardly along the spine of an individual andis adjustable.

As shown in FIG. 7, the back strap 66 is configured with a first lefthand wide section 150 and a second right hand wide section 152 separatedby an narrow spine section 154 to provide support for the region of thekidneys of an individual wearing the carrier with the narrow portionaligned with the spine of an individual. This provides additionalcomfort and support for the individual wearing or using the belt asdepicted in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates a combination of pouches with a belt and a pair ofshoulder straps. Thus, a belt 100 includes a first free end 102 and asecond free end 104 which may be connected to one another by a beltbuckle 106 when the belt 100 is fitted about the waist of a workman. Afirst pouch 108 includes a top edge or margin 110 having a formed fabricloop 112 so that the pouch 108 may receive the belt 100 through the loop112. The top margin 110 further includes a first ring or connectionelement or metal buckle element 114 and a second, spaced connectionelement or metal buckle element 116 attached to the top margin 110. In asimilar fashion, a second pouch 118 includes a fabric loop 120 formedalong the top margin 122 thereof and further includes a ring or buckleelement 124 and a second, spaced ring or buckle element 126. The belt100 further includes a section 103 which, in the embodiment depicted,has attached thereto a tool carrier 130 which includes a metal loop 132attached to a generally planar board member 134 having an upper fabricloop 136.

The pouch 108 is positioned or positionable to fit on the left hand sideof a worker. The pouch 118 is positioned to sit on the right hand of aworker. The pouches 108 and 118 may slide along the belt 100 in order tobe properly positioned on the opposite hips of a worker, for example,depending, of course, upon the size or girth of the worker and theposition the worker desires to have the pouches 108 and 118 placed. Inany event, the belt 100 may then be fastened about the waist of a workerand the buckle 106 will help retain the pouches 108, 118 on the worker.

Shoulder straps 140 and 142 further facilitate retention of the toolcarrier by a workman. The straps 140 and 142 connect the metal loops orrings 114, 116, 124 and 126. Specifically, the left hand shoulder strap140 connects a ring 114 with a ring 124. The right hand shoulder strap142 connects ring 126 associated with pouch 118 to the ring 116associated with the pouch 108. The straps 140 and 142 cross on the backside of a workman or worker. The straps 140 and 142 may also be attachedor fixed or placed through a slot in a sheet 146 on the back side of aworker. The sheet 146 may include, for example, a cushion material inorder to facilitate the comfort and the use of the tool carrier. Ofcourse, the straps 140 and 142 may be omitted entirely from thedescribed tool carrier. However, the straps 140 and 142 facilitatebalancing and positioning of the pouches 108 and 118 by a worker andhelp distribute the weight on an individual utilizing the described toolcarrier.

FIGS. 11 and 11A illustrate some alternative features associated with atool carrier generally of the type depicted in FIG. 10. The tool carrierof FIG. 11 includes a waist strap 150 having a plurality of attachmentloops such as loops 152, 154, 156 and 158. The waist strap 150 includesan upper margin 160 which is configured so that the upper marginprovides enhanced comfort, particularly in the lumbar area on the backside of an individual, substantially in the manner described withrespect to other embodiments of the invention.

The waist strap 150 further includes a first handle 166 attached in thevicinity or in the region of the typical placement of the pouch 118, anda second handle 168 attached on the left side of the waist strap 150 asit would be used by a worker. The handles 166 and 168 are stitched orotherwise fixed to the waist strap 150. The waist strap 150 may then befolded, as may the belt 100, so that the handles 166 and 168 willoverlie one another to enable the tools retained in the pouches 108 and118 to be easily carried by a workman in a manner distinct frompositioning the belt about the waist. FIG. 11A depicts the loop 122formed along the upper margin of the pouch 118. It further depicts themanner in which the handle 166 may be stitched to the waist strap 150.

FIGS. 12 and 12A illustrate another embodiment of the invention whereina belt 100 includes a first pouch 109 attached or stitched to the lefthand side of the belt 100 and a second pouch 111 attached or stitched tothe right hand side of the belt 100. A center pouch 113 is stitchedgenerally to the midpoint section 103 of the belt 100. A first handle167 is stitched to the belt 100 and a second handle 169 is stitched orotherwise attached to the left hand side of the belt 100. The handles167 and 169 may be joined or folded one over the other as previouslydescribed so that the tool belt and pouches depicted in FIG. 12 may beeasily carried. This is depicted in greater detail in FIG. 13 whereinthe handles 167 and 169 are positioned adjacent or over one another sothat they may be gripped together and carry the pouches 111, 114 and109.

FIG. 13 also illustrates another feature of the invention. That is, forexample, the pouch 113 may include an internal wire or stiffening member180 sewn into the upper margin 182 of the pouch 113. The internal wireor stiffening member 180 includes a middle section 184 and opposite ends186, 188. The opposite ends 186 and 188 extend to the edges of thepocket or pouch 113. The middle section 184 is in an elevated or upperposition relative to the ends when the pocket or pouch 113 does notcontain any items or materials. Placement of tools or items in the pouch113 will tend to cause the pouch 113 to distort or sag and movedownwardly. The internal stiffening member or wire 180 will, however,tend to counteract this downward movement and retain the shape of thepocket or pouch 113. This construction or structure may be incorporatedinto any of the pouches depicted in the various drawings.

FIG. 14 illustrates another feature associated with the pouches that maybe incorporated, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10 of theinvention. The pouches, for example, pouch 108 and pouch 118 eachinclude general planar backside panel, for example, panel 190 having aseries of hook and loop strips 192 and 194 incorporated thereon on theinside of the back panel 190. A folding flap 196, a second folding flap198 may be folded over the hook or loop sections 192 and 194,respectively, in the manner depicted, for example, in FIG. 15. This willpreclude the hook and loop mechanism 192, 194 from being irritating orinterfere with the use and attachment when on a belt. However, thepouches 108 and 118 may be joined back to back by engagement of the hookand loop elements 192 and 194, for example, in the manner depicted inFIG. 19. If so joined in the manner depicted in FIG. 119, the rings 114,116, 124 and 126 will be aligned with one another so that a handle andcarry strap 200 may be attached thereto. In particular the end buckleelements 202 and 204 may be attached to rings 114 and 124. The buckleelement 204 can then join the rings 116 and 126. The strap 200 includesa handle 210. Alternatively, as depicted, for example, in FIG. 20, thestrap 200 may include a shoulder pad 212. The strap 212 may be adjustedin length by adjustment of a slide adjustment mechanism 214. The strap200 may be used in combination with a pair of pouches as depicted, forexample, in FIG. 19 or with a single pouch, for example, as depicted inFIG. 20.

Referring back to FIGS. 16-18 there is depicted by way of example theconstruction of the loop, for example, loop 112 depicted in FIG. 14 forthe pouch 108. This construction of FIGS. 16-18 is an alternative to ariveted or stitched construction for the loop 112 in FIG. 14. Thus, theloop in FIG. 16 comprises a flap 133 having an inside surface with ahook or loop material 135 that cooperates with and will engage with aloop or hook material 137 on the backside or inside of a panel 190. Aseparate flap 139 includes a hook or loop material 141 and will engagewith a loop or hook material 143 on the outside of the flap 133 tosecure the loop as depicted in FIG. 18.

Referring next to FIGS. 21 and 22 there is depicted a special pouch orpocket construction associated with a pouch. As depicted in thosefigures, a lateral or side panel 230 of a pouch, for example, pouch 118connects with a front side panel 232. The side panel 230 further isattached to an inclined panel section 234 of the lateral or side panel230. The inclined section 234 inclines inwardly relative to the plane ofthe lateral or side panel 230. Thus, a series of tool pockets or sleeves236, 238 and 240 affixed to the lateral or side panel 230 are adapted toreceive the shaft of tools, for example, screwdrivers. The shafts willextend through the hollow or tubular pockets 236, 238, 240 downwardlyand will not be caused to engage or interfere with a lateral side panel230 and more particularly the inclined section 234 of the lateral sidepanel 230. This will provide ease of placement of the tools having thoseshafts into and out of the pocket 236, 238 and 240. As depicted in FIG.21, the lateral side panel 230 may also include a metal loop 242attached thereto and more particularly to the side edges 244 and 246 ofthe lateral or side panel 230 for holding a handle or other similarheaded tool, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, there is illustrated yet a furtherembodiment of the invention. In particular, a tool belt is comprised ofa first strap section 300 and a second strap section 302. The firststrap section 300 includes a buckle element 304 at one end and a hookand loop mechanism 306 on a facing or side thereof at the opposite end.The second belt element or strap section 302 includes belt buckleopenings 308 at one end and a hook and loop mechanism 310 on a facing orsurface at its opposite end for cooperation with the hook and loopmechanism of the first strap 300. The hook and loop mechanisms 310 and306 enable adjustment of the combined length of the straps 300 and 302as they are joined together to thereby accommodate the waist or girth ofa workman. The tool belt is thus adjustable due to the interaction ofthe hook and loop mechanism associated with the separate straps 300 and302.

The belt comprised of the straps 300 and 302 cooperatively engages withtool pads and hip pads such as pad 312 and pad 314. Each of the pads 312and 314 include a series of belt loops, for example, belt loops 316associated with pad 312 and belt loops 318 associated with pad 314. Thestraps 300 and 302, when joined together, may be fitted through the beltloops 316 to hold the pads 312 and 314 in a desired position, forexample, on the hips of a workman. The pads 312 and 314 include an outerface 320 and 322, respectively. An inner face on the opposite side fromthe outer faces 320 and 322 may include a hook and loop section, such asthe section 326 for the pad 314 and the section 324 for the pad 312. Thecombination may further include a lumbar pad, such as lumbar pad 330which includes a facing or surface 332 comprised of a hook and/or loopmechanism cooperative with the hook and/or loop mechanism 324 and/or 326of the pads 312 and 314. Finally, the lumbar pad 330 may include a loop335 which will act as a belt loop to further facilitate maintaining thelumbar pad in a desired position for use by a worker. Thus, the lumbarpad 320 may be appropriately positioned against the lumbar region orspine of a worker and the side pads or hip pads 312 and 314appropriately adjusted on straps 300, 302 to accommodate positioningabout the girth or waist of a worker utilizing the tool beltconstruction of the invention.

As depicted in FIG. 24 the lumbar pad 330 may also be padded on itsopposite side 334 or the side fitted against the back of a user. Thisfunctions to ease pressure on the lumbar area.

The lumbar pad 330, as well as the side support pads 312 and 314 mayinclude a series of rings, for example, rings 340 associated with pad312 and 342 associated with pad 314 along one edge or side of theelongate pad 312 and/or 314. A second set of rings, for example, ring344 may be arrayed along the bottom edge of the pad 312. Similar secondrings may be provided for the pad 314. Likewise, a support ring 346 maybe provided for the lumbar pad. The rings are provided for attachment ofpouches as depicted in various prior figures. The pouches are designedto contain or store tools and the like. Further, the rings may beutilized for attachment of shoulder straps or suspenders whichfacilitate holding a tool belt on its user.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate some additional features that may beassociated with the adjustable length belt comprised of straps, forexample, straps 300 and 302. The strap 302 depicted in FIG. 25 mayinclude indicia, for example, indicia 303 which are associated with agirth size and in combination with the second strap 302 will enable aworker or user of the system to easily adjust the size of the belt toaccommodate that worker's needs.

As another alternative, the belt may be comprised of more than a pair ofstraps. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, three straps 350, 352and 354 are provided. The straps utilize hook and loop facings and maybe interconnected to provide for an elongate belt. The interconnectionmechanism is preferably a hook and loop mechanism. It should be noted,however, that various other connection mechanisms such as snaps, clipsor the like may be utilized to connect the belt strap members 350, 352and 354 together as well as straps 300, 302.

FIGS. 27-32 illustrate a pocket construction or pouch construction whichis especially useful in combination with a tool belt. FIG. 32, forexample, illustrates a tool belt 400 with a pouch incorporating someunique features namely pouch 402. The pouch 402 includes a fabric ormaterial loop 404 through which the belt 400 is inserted. Forming thebelt on the pouch 402 comprises a unique aspect of the invention.

More specifically, there are a number of embodiments of the invention.FIG. 27 illustrates a first embodiment. FIG. 28 illustrates a secondembodiment. FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate additional features of theembodiments. FIG. 31 is a top 410 and defining a flap 412. The flap 412includes a lower edge section 414. The loop or flap 408 includes a firstlateral side 416 and a second lateral slide 418. The lateral sides 416and 418 are generally parallel and spaced a fixed first distance. Thefirst and second lateral sides 416 and 418 are spaced a distance whichis preferably less than the distance of a spaced lateral side 420 of thebackside 406 and a generally opposite space side 422 of the backside406.

The backside panel 406 includes a horizontal ribbon panel 424 sewnthereto by means of a first horizontal stitch 426 generally along alower edge 428 of the horizontal ribbon panel 424. The horizontal ribbonpanel 424 in the embodiment of FIG. 27 extends substantially equal to orslightly greater side to side between the lateral sides 416 and 418. Thehorizontal ribbon panel 424 thus defines a pocket 432 into which thelower edge section 414 will fit. During fabrication the lower edgesection 414 is fitted into the pocket 432 and a second horizontal orupper horizontal stitch 434 generally parallel to the lower horizontalstitch 426 fastens the lower edge section 414 to the backside panel 406.The second or upper horizontal stitch thus binds the horizontal ribbonpanel 424, the lower edge section 414 and backside 406. The ribbon panel424 maybe reinforced in terms of its attachment by means of a tactstitch, such as a tact stitch 450 along the first lateral side 416 and asecond tact stitch 452 along the opposite or second lateral side 418.With this arrangement then the ribbon panel 424 securely retains thelower edge section attached to the backside panel 406.

FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the lower ribbonpanel 424 extends the entire distance between the lateral sides 420 and422 of the backside 406. The remaining features described however areprovided to attach a lower edge section into the pocket formed by thehorizontal ribbon panel 424. A lower horizontal stitch 426 thus extendsentirely between the sides 420 and 422 as does the upper horizontalstitch 434. Note that the edges of the backside panel 406 may include abinding 460 which is stitched thereto.

FIG. 29 illustrates a further feature of the invention. Referring toFIG. 29 the horizontal ribbon panel 424 may be attached by means of arivet 462 through the lower edge section 414 and backside 406. Thisreinforces the attachment.

FIG. 30 illustrates another optional feature in addition to or in placeof a tacking, such as a tack stitch 452. That is, a vertical stitch 466may be provided along the or through the horizontal ribbon panel 424,lower edge 414 and backside panel 406 as illustrated in FIG. 30. Inreview therefore the horizontal ribbon panel forms a pocket into whichthe lower edge section of the loop is fitted. The component parts arestitched and may be double stitched to attach the horizontal ribbonpanel over the lower edge section to the backside panel. In practice thematerials comprising the pocket may be a fabric such as canvas or otherfabric type flexible material which enable the formation of a pocket orpouch as illustrated schematically in FIG. 31 as the pocket 470.

It is possible to vary the constructions without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Thus the straps may all beadjustable. The buckles and connectors may be of any various types. Thepouches may be attachable or detachable or integrally incorporated inthe strap. The subject matter of the invention is therefore to belimited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A work belt comprising, in combination: a belt for support of atleast one removable pouch, and a removable pouch on said belt, saidpouch including a generally flat, planar, backside panel, said backsidepanel including a top, a fold over flap extension from the top, saidflap forming a loop open on opposite lateral side of the loop forreceipt of said belt through the loop, said fold over flap having alower edge section, said backside panel of said pouch further includinga flap retention strip comprising a generally horizontal, ribbon shapedpanel attached to the backside panel by a horizontal, lower stitch, saidribbon shaped panel foldable about said horizontal, lower stitch to forma pocket for receipt of the lower edge section of the fold over flap,said lower edge section of the fold over flap physically attached to thebackside panel and ribbon shaped panel by an upper, horizontal stitchthrough the retention strip, lower edge section and backside panel, saidupper, horizontal stitch generally parallel to the horizontal, lowerstitch, said lower edge section of the flap having a lateral dimensionat least about equal to the lateral dimension of the ribbon shaped panelwhereby the ribbon shaped panel extends laterally with respect to thelateral sides of the lower edge section of the flap.
 2. The work belt ofclaim 1 wherein the horizontal ribbon shaped panel substantially spansthe backside panel.
 3. The work belt of claim 1 wherein the upper,horizontal stitch spans the horizontal, ribbon shaped panel and isdouble stitched substantially at opposite lateral sides of the loweredge section of the flap.
 4. The work belt of claim 1 wherein thehorizontal, ribbon shaped panel is also attached to both the lower edgesection of the flap and to the backside panel by at least one tackingstitch.
 5. The work belt of claim 1 wherein the horizontal, ribbonshaped panel is also attached to both the lower edge section of the flapand backside panel by at least one rivet.
 6. The work belt of claim 2further including a first and second generally vertical stitch attachingthe horizontal, ribbon shaped panel to the backside panel, said firstvertical stitch at one lateral side of the lower edge section of theflap and the second vertical stitch at the opposite lateral side of thelower edge section of the flap said first and second vertical stitchesin combination with the lower edge horizontal stitch forming said pocketby the horizontal, ribbon shaped panel for receipt of the lower edgesection of said flap.
 7. The work belt of claim 3 wherein thehorizontal, ribbon shaped panel spans the backside panel generallyhorizontally and is attached to the backside panel by generallyvertical, spaced stitching on opposite sides of the lower edge sectionof the flap and the upper horizontal stitch comprises a double stitch atthe lateral sides of the lower edge section of the flap and furtherincluding at least one tacking stitch joining the horizontal, ribbonshaped panel, fold over flap and backside panel.